Jeanne M. McConnell of Honesdale, PA died Sunday, December 4, 2011 at Ellen Memorial Health Care Center in Honesdale following an illness. She was 78.

Born May 7, 1933 in Honesdale, Mrs. McConnell was one of three daughters of the late Robert and Minnie Rude Cunningham.

She was an alumna of Honesdale Catholic High School, and was an avid reader, independently studying business, history and natural science. She was employed by the Wayne County Courthouse for nearly 30 years, serving as deputy prothonotary. She also worked with the Wayne County Historical Society and at Morning Glory Gift Shop in Honesdale.

Mrs. McConnell was a lifelong member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Honesdale and was deeply devoted to her family and close friends. She lived her faith by loving and helping others, serving as a crisis intervention volunteer for Women’s Resource Center, a supporter of Boys Town, various religious orders and the Humane Society. A genuine lady held in the highest regard by all, she will be greatly missed.

Surviving are her three sons, Dale Thomas and wife Susan of Lake Ariel, PA; Patrick McConnell and wife Stacey of Dyberry Township, PA and Daniel McConnell and wife Michelle) of Beach Lake, PA; daughter Barbara Hughes and husband Glenn H. of Carbondale, PA; sisters Roberta Rudowicz and husband Stanley of Texas Township, PA and Susan Bailey and husband Thomas of Imperial, PA; grandchildren Dale Thomas Jr., Jennifer Sheehan, Natalie Thomas, Elisabeth McConnell, Cole McConnell and Paige Fiume; three great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is also predeceased by daughter Robin M. McConnell.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 9 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Honesdale at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Contributions can be made to the Dessin Animal Shelter, 138 Miller Dr., Honesdale, PA 18431; or Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Dr., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

Visit www.hesslingfuneralhome.com.